CD review BOREALIS "Purgatory"

(8/10) Metal from Canada means Annihilator when it comes to thrash, Anvil when it comes to metal and Rush when we talk about prog. Power metal wasn't so far something Canada was famous for. This might change with "Purgatory", the newest release from Boeralis.

The tracklist of Purgatory" contains 12 new songs that are positioned somewhere between melodic metal and power metal. In case you haven't heard from the five-piece before you should think about bands like Evergrey, Kamelot and Brainstorm.

The Ontario-based guys surprised me with their new album. "Purgatory" is not really a musical revolution. They joy of the album is more the immese power, the forceful production and the love for detail. 

The cherry on the cake with Borealis is their singer Matt Marinelli. The guy has an awesome voice that covers a range from higher screams up to rougher vocals. It is this wide range that allows an emotional interpretation of the tunes.

It's hard to pick out some songs since the level is constantly high. But there are a few tracks I really like after havingheard them a couple of times. "The chosen one" is one of them. The tune has a progressive tough by still sticking to the melodic metal roots. It also comes with a great solo and vocal lines that are catchy. The keyboards might be a bit dominant in certain parts, but they support the song and add something to the totality instead of weakening the positive impression.

Next to those signs of power Borealis also manage the silent parts. "Rest my child" is a soulful ballad that builds up towards the end. Instead of drowning in cliche the tune is touching and a great moment on "Puragtory".

Last but not least, the title track. I think that the number is well chosen for being the name giver for the longplayer. It combines all what Borealis stands for - power, crunchy riffs, big sounds, catchy melodies, heaviness and a skosh of prog.

The only thing that doesn't really gives me the shivers is the cover. But who cares...

"Purgatory" became a very 'European' power metal album, performed by a band from Canada. It's an excellent longplayer for intensive headbanging and I hope we will see th guys in Europe pretty soon. One of the best power metal records in 2015.

(8/10)

Tracklist:

1. Past the veil
2. From the ashes
3. The chosen one
4. Destiny
5. Darkest sin
6. My peace
7. Place of darkness
8. Welcome to eternity
9. Sacrifice
10. Rest my child
11. Purgatory
12. Revelation

Label: AFM 

Genre: Power Metal

Release date: Already released